Our Little Blessing (completed)

Our beautiful little grandson was born just a few days ago.

I was finally able to complete the baby sampler with his name, birthdate and weight.

The nice thing about having my own home based framing studio is that I was also able to get it framed just hours after I had it completed.

 

 

Thank you for visiting.

Elsie

Preservating A Treasured Family Heirloom

In one of my earlier posts I wrote about a pillow cover that my grandmother stitched for my niece; one of her great granddaughters.

A treasured family heirloom with high sentimental value the pillow cover needed to be protected from every day environmental hazards so that it could be enjoyed by future generations.

Peter and the Wolf

 

 

The needle art was removed from it's pillow backing and carefully cleaned.

In my framing studio I use the best quality methods and materials  for maximum preservation for all needle art that is expected to endure indefinitely.

This piece was stretched onto a pH neutral, lignin free mount board.

The width and thickness of the acid free matting provides an air gap, which insulates and prevents flattening of the needle art as well as isolating it from the frame and glazing.

The UV-filtering glazing (glass) blocks 98% of the harmful ultra violet rays.

The frame had to be deep enough to accommodate all the layers and was sealed with a tightly fitted, acid free dustcover to protect the needle art from insects, dirt, moisture and environmental changes.

I really believe that it is important  to protect and preserve the things that we hold precious. When our loved ones are no longer with us, sometimes all we have is a handful of snapshots to remember them by.

Whether it is a needle art, photos or other bits and pieces of life placing them carefully under glass will ensure that they'll remain fresh and beautiful forever.

These precious things will withstand the passing of years to be treasured by another generation.

Thanks for visiting.

Elsie

My Winter Project

I started this project about two weeks ago; it should keep me busy during the winter months. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

 

 

Thank you for visiting.

 

Elsie

Our Little Blessing

It's been awhile since I posted on this blog - but here I am and I hope to be posting more regularly from now on.

So many things that have kept me busy in the last few months. Cross stitching of course is one of my favorite things to do.

I am now doing picture framing for clients from my home based studio. I'll be writing more about my that in later posts.

I want to tell you about my latest cross stitch project. My husband and I are expecting our first grandchild any day now.

I have been busy cross stitching a baby sampler; it's almost completed. I'm waiting to fill in the name, date of birth, weight and height.

We know the baby is a boy so I already have picked out the mat colours and bought the frame.

This cross stitch pattern is from Bucilla and called
Our Little Blessing.

It took me 120 hours to stitch this piece. I  did some modification to the baby's face as I did not like the face in the pattern.

Another cross stitch piece that's bond to become a family heirloom.

I'll be posting the completed framed piece in a few weeks.

Thanks for visiting.

Elsie

Creating Beautiful Cross Stitch Heirlooms

Cross stitch and needlework pictures often become family heirlooms.

It is important that our family heirlooms are properly preserved for future generations.

As a professional picture framer I have reframed many old pieces that have gotten stained or moldy over the years because of improper framing.

I have also stitched many pictures over the years and would like to share with you some tips on creating beautiful cross stitch heirlooms.

1. Wash your hands before working on your cross stitch. The oils from your hands can soil the fabric which may be difficult to remove.

2. Do not pull the stitches too tight; that will cause the stitches to pull at an angle. Your finished needlework will not be square. It would make it very difficult for the framer to square up your picture; pulling too hard on it might cause some of the stitches to break.

3. Always keep your stitches going in the same direction. Your finished needlework will look smooth and professionally done.

4. Do not tie off your stitches; simply thread them through other stitches to hold them in place. Knotting will cause your finished needlework to appear lumpy when stretched.

5. Don't leave your project in hoops for long periods at a time. Ring marks are often difficult to wash and iron out.

6. Clean your completed needlework with mild soap and water.

Thank you for visiting.

Elsie

Christmas Nativity Scene - Cross Stitch Heirloom

I can't believe that it was way back in 1996 that I stitched this beautiful picture of the Nativity.

I purchased this Bucilla kit from an Avon catalogue. It was designed by Nancy Rossi.

I have it hanging in my bedroom for eleven months of the year but always hang it up in the dining room in December.

It is after all what Christmas is all about.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and All The Best for 2011.

Thank you for visiting.

Elsie

Passing Down Family Heirlooms

This framed cross stitched picture was my gift to my mother on her 70th birthday.

 It is called Poppies and Apple Blossoms -
 a Louise Gregrie Original.

Poppies were always one of my mother's favorite flowers.

Ten years later when my mother was down sizing she returned the picture to me.

Knowing that my sister in law had always admired the picture; I presented it to her the following Christmas.

This picture is now a genuine heirloom. It has been passed down from one generation to the next.

Thank you for visiting.

Elsie